The all-new 2011 Honda
CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the
North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek
styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda
Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

"The CR-Z is a personal
sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an
elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said John
Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "It's
the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to
efficiency and economy."

Set to go on sale late
summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine
with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new
three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between
Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior's
distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung
hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply
inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase
and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic
presence.

The futuristically
styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically
intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a
three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a
multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black
materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the
dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit
environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space.
Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent
lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship
console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell
separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels
include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A
six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard
features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an
AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate
control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control,
and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium
audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth®
HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.
The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation
System1 with voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the
sixth unique version of Honda's original IMA technology since the
launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in
North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid
powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine
with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
(i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's DC
brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and
closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at
low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and
also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture
kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride
battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during
vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a
combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft.
of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models).
Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a
rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon3 on CVT-equipped
models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an
EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per
gallon3. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero
Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air
Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all
states).

The standard six-speed
manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration
performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy
in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill
start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards
during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the
throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately
1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an
automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum
and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal
RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance
potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel
allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern.
In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected
ratio.

The CR-Z's three-mode
drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of
performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system
is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering
wheel.

The Sport mode enhances
multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine
throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the
electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer
illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode
operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy,
the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the
air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine.
The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green
when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more
ecological driving.

Normal mode provides
standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and
air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring
transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal
mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the
Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature
to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

The front MacPherson
strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings
are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience.
All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55
R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires
with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with
electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and
solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the
battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area
further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the
new CR-Z's responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted
rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves
efficiency.

In addition to being
environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to
safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility
Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants
in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include
standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard
front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection
System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an
anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a
pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Additional Honda media
information is available at Hondanews.com. Consumer information is
available at automobiles.honda.com.

1 The Honda
Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX
in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda
dealer for details.2 Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final
specification is subject to change.3 Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda.
Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of
printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to
models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on
how you drive and maintain your vehicle.